Prepare for phone service difficulties

NEW YORK — Phone service often cuts out when it’s needed the most — when disaster strikes.

That applies to cellphones too, even though they seem independent of power and phone lines.

Here are some tips for communicating with emergency services and loved ones as Irene sweeps up the East Coast:

■ Cellphones may work even if the power goes out, but you can’t count on them. The phones themselves, of course, have batteries. And the cell towers that relay your calls and other messages are often equipped with backup batteries and some have generators. Verizon says all its sites have at least eight hours of backup power.

■ Even if cellphones work, wireless networks may be overloaded by people calling to check in on each other or surfing the Web. Cellphone companies recommend text messaging rather than calling in any disaster, because text messages use much less network capacity. They also don’t use much battery power.

■ Keep your phones plugged in so that they’re fully charged if the power goes out. There are various products available that can recharge a cellphone from a larger rechargeable battery, AA batteries, or through a car adapter.

■ Corded landline phones may work even if the power goes out, because they’re powered from the phone jack, which in turn is powered from the phone company’s facilities. These are usually equipped with generators or backup batteries. Cordless phones won’t work if your home loses electric power, nor will Internet phone services like Vonage and Ooma.